King Charles III banknotes unveiled
The Bank of England unveiled the design of the King Charles III banknotes in December 2022. The King’s portrait will appear on all four of polymer banknotes
(£5, £10, £20 and £50). The rest of the design on the banknotes will remain the same. The King’s image will appear on the front of the banknotes, as well as in the
see-through security window.

When will we see a King Charles III banknote?
The new banknotes are expected to enter circulation by mid-2024.

What will happen to the Queen Elizabeth II banknotes?
You will still be able to use polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth II and the King will be in circulation at the same time.

The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes. This approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change.

Non Bar-Coded Stamps
Royal Mail had asked customers to use any non-barcoded stamps by 31 January 2023. If customers were not able to use them by 31 January 2023, they can be swapped out for barcoded stamps via Royal Mail’s Swap Out Scheme. Forms for this are available in your post office. There is currently no end date to this scheme.

From 31 January 2023 there will be a six-month grace period up to 31 July 2023 and during this time, any items with a non-barcoded stamp(s) will still be delivered and no surcharges will be incurred. Customers presenting items with non-barcoded stamps from 1 August 2023: such items would then be subject to surcharge.

Maureen Flood – Sub Post Mistress